Excluding Holmes and Tyson, if Lennox had faced the alphabet boys along the way, in their championship days, which do you see possibly giving him a tough time.? I know he faced Weaver but how about champion version?
I think Lewis was head and shoulders above all of those guys but if I had to put money on someone which I wouldn't, I would probably take a guy like prime Weaver or Berbick over guys like Thomas or Spinks. I don't see anyone outpointing him so a puncher or a banger like Berbick has the best chance at catching him like Rahman or McCall did. I know he beat a 40 year old version of Weaver but a prime Weaver would put some pressure on him and make him back up at times which would limit the effectiveness of that right hand. I still would take Lewis but I think a prime Weaver would have the best chance outside of Holmes who is excluded. Keep in mind, that is a Long shot for a banger to catch Lewis. The key to beating Lewis is to back him up which strong guys like Tyson, Tua and Klitschko tried and failed or to take away his jab which I believe is the reason why his inner circle kept him away from southpaws. One guy that I think would have given Lewis a tough go would have been Corrie Sanders. He doesn't qualify for this thread because he wasn't an 80's guy but a big physical soutpaw that could neutralize that left jab with his right jab is an interesting opponent.
I could see Greg Page or Michael Dokes giving him an interesting fight when they were switched on, which of course is never a given.
Dokes, up until he beat Weaver Dec 10, 1982, was an excellent boxer. As in he moved and boxed. After Weaver he never boxed again. But prime Dokes could have been something. Cocaine and Don King are terrible drugs.
I know what you mean about Sanders. Dangerous unpredictable guy, that had a real thump in his gloves. Witherspoon spring s to mind, he was no banger as such but if Lewis faced him when Tim was prepared and up for it..? But it's more likely Lennox loses to a puncher I agree. Weaver could be potentially the one here that could do it. He proved he could Ko even late on.
Forgot about Page tbh. Dokes is an handful at his best. There's a danger that he strikes quickly as he did Weaver and hurt Lennox.
Page and his right hand would be dangerous. He doesn't give away mountains of height and reach and at his best took a great punch, had fast hands and a superb jab.
My pick would be Tony Tubbs, a seriously savvy boxer who let himself down conditioning-wise. He gave Riddick Bowe fits.
Pinklon Thomas Tim Witherspoon Tony Tucker = 35 year old version went distance and rocked Lewis a few times. Lewis sometimes had issues with good jabs as evident vs Holyfield 2, Bruno, Mercer. So quite a few of them could give Lewis a tough night with the jab added with their speed and talent.
He did vs Mercer aswell yet Mercer still give Lewis all he could handle with the jab. Witherspoon also arguably did better vs Mercer than Lewis did, and should've got the decision. Just for your information Mercer had 77 inch reach and was 6'1. Witherspoon had 78 inch reach and was 6'3. Lastly Witherspoon probably had better one punch KO power than Mercer, his overhand right was a deadly weapon. Remind me again what was the punch that flattened Lewis twice ?
